July 25, 2024

Philippines' meat imports in H1 2024 rose 9%

The Philippines' Department of Agriculture reported that the country imported 647,000 tonnes of meat in the first six months of 2024, up 9% from the same period in 2023 (590,000 tonnes).

The largest volume was for pork at 317,000 tonnes, followed by chicken at 222,000 tonnes.

Imports were bigger this year due to the limited supply of local pork due to the African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks, and the low production in the poultry sector caused by El Niño and avian influenza.

Executive Order (EO) No. 62 approved by Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is expected to lend stability and predictably for meat importers until 2028.

Under EO 62, lower tariffs for pork, fresh, chilled, or frozen meat will remain at 15% for in-quota and 25% for out-quota.

- Philippine News Agency